Final answer:
Buddhists believe reaching nirvana through the Eightfold Noble Path frees them from suffering. Nirvana is the ultimate state of peace achieved by letting go of all desires. The Middle Way, comprised of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, is the Buddhist guide to liberation and ethical living.
Step-by-step explanation:
Buddhism and the Path to Liberation
Buddhists believe they will be free from suffering if they reach the highest level of the Eightfold Noble Path, which is nirvana. Nirvana is a state of ultimate peace achieved by extinguishing all desire, thus transcending one's very existence and breaking the cycle of reincarnation. The path to nirvana involves embracing the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right action, right speech, and more, leading to ethical living, wisdom, and meditation.
The third noble truth highlights that letting go of desires is essential to reaching nirvana, thereby ending the cycle of suffering. The path is often referred to as the Middle Way, a balanced approach between indulgence and asceticism. Buddhism places emphasis on personal responsibility and moral behaviour as keys to one's liberation.